Revisiting the Core of Policy Feedback Theory: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Policy feedback theory introduces the concept that “new policies create new politics” through feedback loops where policies reshape the political environment and influence future policy formulation. However, few studies have fully realized this initial promise, with limited attention being paid to the feedback loop. This study conducts a systematic review of 183 SSCI articles to assess the gap between current research and the original promise of policy feedback theory. Our analysis revealed three key findings: More than half of the articles did not address policy feedback loops, limiting the theory's potential; While the original framework provides a foundation for the discussion of mechanisms, misuses persist, and further exploration of the relationships between these mechanisms is required; The absence of feedback loops has left discussions on the self‐reinforcing and self‐undermining effects at an early stage. This study argues that future policy feedback research should more frequently treat policy as both the starting and ending points of analysis and calls for a deeper exploration of feedback mechanisms and their long‐term effects. By addressing these gaps, this study aims to refine the concept of policy feedback and enhance our understanding of the long‐term impacts of policies.